On Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Charlotte Innovation Barn, at 932 Seigle Avenue, Charlotte, North Carolina, is giving away free design samples in their Second Chance event.
The benefits of this periodic event are twofold. Crafters, DIYers, artists, creatives and educators can get tons of FREE materials for their projects. And those items do not end up in the landfill. What better way to celebrate Earth Day?
Last year, in two events, Charlotte Innovation Barn received 24,000 pounds of design samples, and 98% of these materials were taken home for projects.
For the best solution, show up right at 9 a.m. Last time, just about every single item was claimed. But please don’t get there early.
What can you find at Second Chance?
You’ll find flooring, tiles, fabric, carpet, concrete pavers, glass, paint, wall coverings, stone and much more. These items are new and ready to be used in any project you can imagine. Are you a quilter? A mosaic artist? Do you work with kids who need materials to express their creativity? You’ll love this.
How much can you take home?
As much as you can drag out! If you have boxes, bags or a wagon, you might want to bring them along.
Donate Samples
If you’re in the design community and have samples you’d like to donate, please drop them off on April 25, 2025, from 1 to 6 p.m.
Earth Day Celebration
Also on April 26, 2025, Innovation Barn is hosting an Earth Day Celebration from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It’s free to attend, but if you want a BBQ plate you’ll need to purchase a ticket for $27.
- Live music: The Jonathan Birchfield Band (11:30 AM)
- BBQ feast: Pork, smoked chicken, jackfruit BBQ + sides (Tickets required)
- High Vibes Popup Tattoos: Starts at 10:30 AM (First come, first served)
- Queen B Honey Lager from Birdsong Brewery – Available all day
What is Innovation Barn?
Innovation Barn is a joint project by Envision Charlotte and the City of Charlotte, with the goal of transitioning Charlotte to a circular economy. It’s a combination of entrepreneurial businesses, zero-waste initiatives, and a space to bring groups together in order to learn more about and implement circular projects. The City of Charlotte rents the building to Envision Charlotte for $1 a year.
There is a lot going on here — all with the goal of keeping items out of the landfill and making Charlotte a more sustainable place.
Some areas of Innovation Barn:
- Aquaponics
- Plastics Lab
- Glass Lab
- Apiary
- Mushroom Farm
Free tours are available, with a reservation, twice a week. Learn all about Innovation Barn.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
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- Charlotte Hotel Deals
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More Earth Day events in Charlotte
Check out our guide to Earth Day in Charlotte, or check out a few events here:
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